J. W. Mattice is a well known agriculturist residing on an excellent farm comprising one hundred and twenty acres on sections 26 and 27, Richland township, and also owns a quarter section of land on sections 24 and 25 of the same township. His birth occurred in Illinois on the 19th of August, 1865, his parents being Zachariah and Ellen (Sedgwick) Mattice, both of whom were natives of New York. They came to Iowa in 1867, locating first in Manchester and subsequently taking up their abode on a farm which the father purchased in Richland township, this county. Zachariah Mattice, who passed away in 1907, was twice married, his second union being with Mrs. Josie Bamber, who is still living. The period of his residence in Delaware county covered four decades and he was widely recognized as one of its substantial agriculturists and esteemed citizens. By his first wife he had four children, namely: Fonella, who is deceased; J. W., of this review; Anna, who has passed away; and E. F., of Richland township. J. W. Mattice was reared to manhood under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education. On attaining his majority he began the operation of the home place and in 1899 purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 26 and 27, Richland township, whereon he has resided continuously since. He erected substantial and commodious buildings and made other improvements which greatly enhance the value of the property. Mr. Mattice likewise owns a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 24 and 25, Richland township, and in connection with the production of cereals makes a specialty of stock raising, finding both branches of his business quite profitable.
     At the polls Mr. Mattice exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He has served as a member of the school board and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. He has spent nearly his entire life within the borders of Delaware county and has long been numbered among its prosperous and respected citizens.